Student Leadership @ SICG

As a College we have commenced the process of selecting our student leaders for 2025. This is a significant process which includes interviews, speeches, staff voting and student voting. Student leadership at Saint Ignatius College is integral to the development of a vibrant, supportive, and mission-driven school community. Embedded in the Ignatian Charism, which emphasises forming "young people for and with others," student leadership at Saint Ignatius College goes beyond traditional roles of responsibility. It embodies the Jesuit ideals of service, reflection, and discernment, providing students with a framework to grow as leaders who are deeply committed to the common good.

When students take on leadership roles, they actively engage in shaping the school’s culture, ensuring it reflects the values of respect, inclusivity, and justice. This involvement benefits the entire student body by creating a more connected and empathetic community. Leadership opportunities at SICG allow students to practice key skills such as communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making, all while fostering a sense of belonging and purpose among their peers.

Furthermore, student leadership at Saint Ignatius College is a tangible expression of the Ignatian Charism, linking personal growth with service to others. It cultivates leaders who are not only academically and socially adept but also spiritually grounded, ready to contribute meaningfully to society.

I extend my best wishes to all students who have applied for a student leadership position. May you find every success in your endeavours.

Staff Professional Development Day

Friday 30 August will be a staff professional development day. This day will be utilised to support staff in the development of a Behaviour Curriculum and develop strategies to support staff wellbeing.

We feel developing a Behaviour Curriculum at Saint Ignatius College is essential to fostering a school environment that reflects our core values of conscience, competence and compassion. A well-structured Behaviour Curriculum provides clear expectations and consistent guidelines for students, helping them understand the importance of their actions and how they impact others. This proactive approach to behaviour management is not just about maintaining order within the school; it’s about instilling lifelong values aligned with the Ignatian principles of justice, empathy, and service to others.

By explicitly teaching positive behaviours and reinforcing them through regular practice, we create a culture where students are encouraged to make thoughtful, ethical decisions. This aligns with the Ignatian focus on reflection and discernment, guiding students to consider the consequences of their actions in light of the greater good. A Behaviour Curriculum also supports the development of emotional intelligence and resilience, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate challenges and conflicts in a constructive manner.

Our aim is the Behaviour Curriculum at Saint Ignatius College will contribute to a sense of belonging and safety within the school community. When students know what is expected of them and feel supported in meeting those expectations, they are more likely to thrive academically and socially, embodying the Ignatian ethos in all aspects of their lives.

Meg Durham: Staff Wellbeing Professional Development (PD) session, is a valuable initiative that focuses on enhancing the overall wellbeing of our educators. By addressing key areas such as mental health, stress management, and work-life balance, this PD equips staff with practical strategies to maintain their wellbeing in a demanding profession. The benefits of this program are significant, as it promotes a healthier, more positive work environment, leading to increased staff morale and effectiveness. Research suggests that when educators prioritise their own wellbeing, they are better equipped to support their students, fostering a more vibrant and productive school community.

Wear it Purple Day

The College celebrated 'Wear It Purple Day' on Thursday 30 August, 2024. As a College this is a powerful expression of the school's commitment to inclusivity, respect, and the dignity of every individual. This day promotes and aligns with core Catholic values of love, compassion, and social justice and emphasises the inherent worth of every person, made in the image and likeness of God. 'Wear It Purple Day' offers an opportunity for the school community to affirm this dignity, ensuring that all students feel valued and accepted for who they are.

At Saint Ignatius College, celebrating 'Wear It Purple Day' is about educating our community on the importance of empathy and understanding. It encourages dialogue, reduces stigma, and fosters a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone. This aligns with the Gospel's call to love one another and to stand in solidarity with those who may feel marginalised or excluded.

I would like to thank our Justice Coordinator, Ms Nicole Sadler, and all staff and students who supported the day.

Michael Timms | Acting College Principal

To say that the Senior School has been a busy and bustling environment would be an understatement!!

Term 3 has seen many activities and programs for our Senior students that to discuss them all would fill up the whole newsletter.

Students have settled well into the new MacKillop Senior Centre and are enjoying the state-of-the-art facilities they have to enhance their learning experience.

A snapshot of the many things our senior students have been involved is provided below.

Subject selection 10 into 11 and 11 into 12 – this has been a benefit for all students as they have considered pathways and subject choices for their senior school studies. Senior school staff have been a wonderful support to students with the guidance and interviews they have provided.

Year 12 Pathways - interviews have been held and students have been applying for university and alternative pathways as they prepare to finish their schooling at the College in Term 4. Year 12 students have also had presentations on VTAC and SEAS applications and been supported through this process.

Student leadership - speeches and applications for leadership positions across the College were held and the impressive presentations by these students have shown that the college is in good hands as we look to appoint our leaders for 2025. Thank you to all the students who have applied and spent time preparing their applications and interviews. You have all displayed the College value of Striving for the Magis.

BATYR – the Wellbeing team presented workshops to our Year 10-12 students on topics involving mental health issues and supports.

Man Cave – 35 Year 10 boys participated in a workshop to challenge them to discuss issues facing young men.

Mentor Time – Staff led activities were held week 5&6. Students participated in a range of activities to build House spirit and community.

Xavier and MacKillop House Masses were held in Week 6. Fathers Healy SJ and Darrien led the masses celebrating the Patron Saints.

Student-led House Assemblies were held in Week 7 and many students gave reports on the many activities held in their Houses.

Winter Sleepout – many of our senior students were involved in the sleepout where they slept at school overnight and participated in activities to raise awareness around

House charities – Houses are currently supporting their chosen charities.

Ricci – Share the Dignity

Xavier – 2 can drive,

Glowrey – Catholic Care

On Thursday 29th of August, Saint Ignatius College was privileged to host a Victorian Students’ Parliamentary Program Convention.

The purpose of the Convention was to improve student knowledge and understanding of parliamentary processes through practical application of skills during a mock parliament, which simulated the first, second and third reading of a bill, with the students taking on the role of members of parliament.

We welcomed students from Sacred Heart College Geelong to join us as we explored the topic ‘Does compulsory voting undermine the democratic process?’

Collaboration was key, with students exploring a range of ideas and opinions on the topic, supported by The Hon. Libby Coker, Member for Corangamite, City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Councillor Trent Sullivan, Dr Andrew Vandenberg from Deakin University and Mr Timothy Bush from The University of Melbourne.

Students participated in a range of activities to simulate a sitting of parliament including making opening statements, engaging in committee deliberation, reporting back to the parliament, the very popular Soap Box session, then voting on the topic.

Samantha Windmill | Humanities Learning Area Leader

A Current Snapshot of the Design and Technology Area

The Design and Technology Area of the college is constantly busy with students working through the design or engineering process to create solutions to proposed problems. Students are provided the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a vast variety of practical activities.


Product Design: Fashion

Currently the students in the Year 10 Product Design Fashion Class are involved in a community outreach program, working on a bag for Barwon Health hospital in Geelong. The bags are called ‘When We Say Goodbye.’ The idea came from a Country Women's Association in Warragul from a registered nurse currently working in Oncology. The idea of the bags came from a need to make the passing of a loved one a little more bearable. The passed loved one's belongings usually get given to the families in a plastic bag. The bags that the student’s are making are more personable and have nice generic designs on the front. The students learn how to applique, french seam and add a drawcord channel, whilst feeling good about the kind deed they are doing.

Mrs Kerry Horbowsky

Product Design: Metals and Wood

Below are samples of senior student’s work, showcasing how they must work through each stage of the design process to achieve a solution to their provided design challenge.

Visualisations and Working Drawings
Material Testing and Process Trials
Prototyping and Modelling
Production Planning and Production

Product Design Team

Systems Engineering

The Year 12 Systems Engineering students are finalising their School Assessed Tasks that they have been planning for, designing and building all year, lead by Mr Luis Costa.

Jack Dries: “This year for my Systems project, I decided to create an electronic combination lock. This system is complete with a keypad to register the password inputs, an LCD screen to display some password prompts, a solenoid door latch to lock and unlock the door, and a linear actuator to automatically open and close the door when the password is correct. All of the components contained within the system are controlled through a micro-computer, which needs to be programmed to fit the requirements of the system. Through this micro-computer, it registers the inputs from the keypad, and if the password is entered correctly, the LCD screen displays “The password is correct!”, the door latch unlocks and the linear actuator opens the door for the user. The purpose of this system is to have a secure lock for any door that is completely automatic without the need for a door handle.

Tom Allchin: This year I worked on a remote-controlled cat feeder. The system uses a remote-controlled motor that spins to a metal axle, which turns a wheel to allow the food to fall through into a funnel and then directly into a bowl for the cat to eat.

Harrison Work: My project involves creating a Lego rotating display stand, designed to showcase models. The stand is motorised and programmable, allowing controlled rotation at various speeds. It incorporates a DC motor to maintain precision, demonstrating engineering principles like mechanics and automation.

Jackson Brotchie: Reflecting on my Year 12 Systems Engineering project, creating a model train turntable was a rewarding challenge that pushed me to seamlessly blend mechanical design with electronics. This project honed my skills in precision engineering, problem-solving, and project management, solidifying my passion for engineering and the importance of meticulous planning and execution.

Food Studies

After studying food trends and influences to consumer’s food choices, the Year 10 food studies class were set the task to design their own meal kit boxes, complete with an informative recipe card. Students had to undertake a cost analysis to ensure their meal idea would be a profitable recipe for a meal kit business. Their recipes were trialled and tested this week in the Food Studies kitchens. A range of nutritious and delicious meals were produced.

Ms. Leonie O’Brien and Ms. Jaymi O’Connor

From the 12th of august to the 16th, myself and many other students participated in an event known as ‘Science Week.’ Students got the chance to come in and join in numerous Science related activities at lunch time.

One of my favourite activities was on Wednesday, where we got to compete in a challenge known as the ‘Science Escape Room.’ Students grouped up into teams of 2 - 6 to compete in multiple activities to see which group could finish the most by the end of lunch. The Science Escape room was fun, challenging and engaging. All students were able to enjoy themselves and overall enjoy the whole day.

Another one of my favourite activities was on Thursday and Friday, where we got to participate in multiple virtual reality experiences. There were multiple headsets each with different games that students could engage in and try out their thinking skills. Best part about it was trying to figure out difficult puzzles with your friends all trying to help you at the same time.

The whole week was so much fun! Myself and many other students can’t wait for Science Week next year!

Finn Heywood

8 Frigo

PHOTOS BELOW

Looking around the college mid-term three, I am reminded of the great flurry of activity that always seems to permeate this school. During a time where every class seems to contain the promise of an impending SAC (I myself have three this week alone), the school is teeming with students seeking additional study.

There does, however, seem to be an evil lurking for some students: burnout. As someone who once suffered from a prolonged experience of burnout, the will to get myself out of the experience came to me only once I began to focus on the other domains of my school life.

This is why activities and other extra-curricular offerings hosted by the school are so important to its academic life.

Experiences such as the recent Feast Day and the Medieval Day, enhance our capacity to learn. I was reminded of this with the performance of “Dazzling Dan the Magic Man”, a performer brought in for the 2024 College Book Week celebrations. The combination of the fun, light hearted entertainer against the studious nature of the Book Week theme formed a juxtaposition which is unique to our college.

Ultimately, Dazzling Dan serves as a call to consider the place that celebration and fun have in the college; it complements the quite serious business of putting one’s head down and really studying.

Archie Stella | Academic Captain

Year 8 students were provided a hands-on learning experience to support their studies in medieval history by welcoming presenters from Kryal Castle to the College on Monday 26th of August.

Workshops offered included Apothecary, Leatherwork, Games, “Mexecutioner” (a combination of a manorial court and executioner) Dance, Arms and Armour.

Student reflections - 7STEM Wildlife Incursion - see 5 pages below for photos

In STEM, classes have been learning about classification and organising our world. We have been learning about classification, including domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species, and we have been classifying different living things.

The wildlife incursion was extremely fascinating to everyone, seeing all those animals in person rather than in pictures and online. We were also able to see and hold the animals up close and personal, which made it so much more interesting. We learnt many things about the animals, such as the fact that the saltwater crocodiles could grow up to 6m.

Overall, everyone was very intrigued by the different animals and enjoyed this amazing opportunity brought to us by Wildlife Xposure.

Shermaine Cheng

7 Fitzgerald

On Monday during STEM, All classes in year 7 went to the Loyola Building to participate in a wildlife incursion. During this incursion, year 7’s got to learn about types of families in the Animal kingdom and see those Animals. Multiple students got to hold these animals and pat them. My personal favorite was the snake that multiple people had to hold just to keep it up.

Ruby Cadwallander

7 Anderton

On Monday we all went to the top of the loyola building. The wildlife educator taught us all about different types of animals and we got to hold different ones such as a crocodile, possum, snake (which was huge), lizards, a frog and more. I really liked this incursion and hope that we can do it again soon.

Sophie Ralph

7 Anderton

On Monday a person from Wildlife eXposure came to show us all about different families in the different animal kingdoms. We got to see many animals including a possum, owl, frilled neck lizard, snake, crocodile and so many more. I found it really interesting to be able to see the animals in person to help us learn more about the animal kingdoms. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that finds animals interesting or wants to learn more about them.

April Dowling

7 Anderton

Hello from the Student Representative Council,

We are excited to announce that our third casual clothes day for the year will be held next Thursday the 5th of September, 2024. Students are asked to bring a gold coin donation, with the money raised going towards the ‘Opening the Doors Foundation.’ This foundation is very significant as it provides scholarships for Indigenous students that allows them to stay in school. So get behind it, wear casual clothes and don’t forget your gold coin.

You can learn more about this wonderful charity here: https://www.openingthedoors.org.au/

Kind regards,

Reuben Cook | Student Representative Council Promotions Officer

Saint Ignatius College wishes to thank the following businesses for their support of our Term 3 Mega Raffle!

To secure your tickets to the raffle of the year, click on this link --> https://rafflelink.com.au/2024-pfa-mega-raffle

With all money raised going towards student services, this is the raffle that you want to win!

The 2024 Mega Raffle is drawn on September the 12th, 2024.

Click here to view 2024 Year 12 Save the dates

Camps are an amazing opportunity for your students. But they can be stressful for some parents to afford.

I would appreciate you passing this information on to the families of students who may be attending a school camp in 2025. Saver Plus will assist with their saving & budgeting for their upcoming camp.

Saver Plus encourages parents to save $50 a month (for 10 months). Savings are then matched - a free $500 for education costs, making $1,000 potentially available for the school camp.

Families that start saving in August, will have their savings ready to pay their school camp fees in June 2025.

If there are families that don’t have students attending camp they may also still apply for the program and allocate the funds to other education costs.

Saver Plus will chat with your families about eligibility:

• Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card

• Payment from Centrelink and

• Earning an income (employment, carer’s payment, or child support).

If families would like to check their eligibility and receive a call back please include our enquiry link - https://www.bsl.org.au/services/saving-and-managing-money/saver-plus/ or they’re welcome to call our national number 1300 610 355 and a local coordinator will contact them directly.

Saver Plus helps your families with budgeting for the cost to attend next year’s school camp. 

We are also still running regular information sessions for parents/carers every Wednesday that only goes for 15 minutes and have attached information flyer for those sessions as well.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Regards,

Fiona Adams | Saver Plus Coordinator

Saver Plus Information Sessions for Schools

Saver Plus DL brochure Daisy